Firefighter

FIREFIGHTER

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Engages directly in fire fighting and repairs fire station and
equipment; does related work as required. This employee is under the direct supervision of the
Fire Lieutenant/Sergeant and the general supervision of the Fire chief. This is general duty
firefighting work in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fire. The employee in this class
is responsible for the protection of life and property through firefighting activities usually
performed under close supervision. Work requires performance of hazardous tasks under
emergency conditions, which may involve extreme exertion under such handicaps as smoke and
cramped surroundings. A large part of duty time is taken up in Town-wide inspections,
performing supervised training, and maintaining equipment and quarters. Work is normally
performed under close supervision in accordance with well-defined procedures, and
assignments are received from superiors both in firefighting and maintenance duties.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

• Responds to all fire alarms/calls for service with an apparatus and connects hose, holds

• Forces entry of premises when necessary for firefighting, rescue, and salvage operations;
• Properly utilizes chemical fire extinguisher, bars, hooks, rope, and all other equipment as

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the street system
and physical layout of the Fire District or the ability to acquire the knowledge rapidly; general
knowledge of fire suppression techniques and procedures; ability to understand and follow oral

FIREFIGHTER

and written instructions; ability to learn a wide variety of firefighting duties and methods
including the operation of firefighting apparatus in a reasonable working test period; ability to
perform the mechanical work involved in operating and maintaining firefighting apparatus
equipment and tools; physical strength and ability, free of physical defects as indicated by a
physical examination. Must be able to push and/or pull heavy objects.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Must possess a high school diploma or
GED; successful completion of Firefighter certification within one year of the employee’s hire
date. Must be certified in CPR, and vehicle extrication, and successful completion of the
Pump/Driver Operations series when offered. It shall be the responsibility of the employee in
this class to maintain certification throughout employment. Must possess a valid driver’s
license issued by the State of Tennessee.

OTHER REQUISITES: From time to time the incumbent may be assigned special duties by a
superior or, on a temporary basis, may be asked to assist other employees occupying a different
position. Employees in this class will be required to work weekends and holidays, and may be
required to work overtime and be in an on-call status. This position description should not be
construed as an all-inclusive statement of every task required of this position; but as a fair
representation of the great majority of the work. Every effort will be made in advance to
inform the incumbent of the temporary additional assignments, which under no circumstances
are intended to constitute a demotion.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Requirements: Task involves the regular, and at times sustained, performance of
heavier physical tasks such as walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping,
working in confined spaces, and lifting or carrying moderately heavy (20 – 50 lb.) items and
occasionally very heavy (110 lbs. or over) items; or may involve the complex operation of
gasoline, electric, or diesel-powered machinery or shop equipment requiring the manipulation
of multiple controls, fine adjustments, or both. Must be able to push and/or pull heavy objects,
climb ladders, and possess the physical strength to carry an individual.

Environmental Requirements: Task may require infrequent, and at times sustained, exposure
to adverse environmental conditions such as cold, rain, snow, fumes, chemical sprays, smoke,
and flames.

FIREFIGHTER

Sensory Requirements: Task requires color perception and discrimination. Task requires
sound perception and discrimination. Task requires odor perception and discrimination. Task
requires depth perception and discrimination. Task requires texture perception and
discrimination. Task requires visual perception and discrimination. Task requires oral
communications ability.

Attitude: Employees will be expected to act in a manner that would convey a congenial work
environment – avoiding anger, violence, belligerence, harassment, controversy, nonchalance, or
any other reasonable activity considered by management to be counterproductive.

Reasonable Accommodation(s): Reasonable accommodation(s) if needed will be provided for
the employee to perform the required job with adequate strength, dexterity, coordination and
visual acuity and in a manner that does not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the
employee or others in the workplace.

FIREFIGHTER

Classification: 9
Non-Exempt
October 13, 2020

FIREFIGHTER